William Safire Quotes

A collection of quotes by William Safire.

William Safire (1929-2009) was an American journalist, author, and speechwriter. He gained prominence as a columnist for The New York Times, where he wrote the widely-read "On Language" column for over three decades. Safire also served as a speechwriter for President Richard Nixon and later won a Pulitzer Prize for his commentary on the Nixon administration. He was known for his insightful and witty analysis of politics, language, and culture. Safire authored several books on language and politics, and his contributions to journalism continue to be highly regarded.

Never assume the obvious is true.

Never assume the obvious is true.

William Safire

Truth Common Sense Assumption Obviousness

Is sloppiness in speech caused by ignorance or apathy? I don

Is sloppiness in speech caused by ignorance or apathy? I don't know and I don't care.

William Safire

Speeches (oratory)

To know your place is a good idea in politics. That is not t

To know your place is a good idea in politics. That is not to say stay in your place or hang on to your place, because ambition or boredom may dictate upward or downward mobility, but a sense of place -- a feel for one's own position in the control room -- is useful in gauging what you should try to do.

William Safire

Politics

If you re-read your work, you can find on re-reading a great

If you re-read your work, you can find on re-reading a great deal of repetition can be avoided by re-reading and editing.

William Safire

Work